Date: Monday, April 5th
In attendance: Kate Kallmes, Betsy O’Brochta, Roger (Head Groundskeeper), Marvin (Barrington Groundskeeper)
Kate and Betsy met and discussed how to recruit volunteers for upkeep in the garden during the summer and fall months. Ideally, we’d like classes to spend time during the day tending to the garden and habitat needs. Kate shared that the biggest commitment is watering the garden. It is awkward to do and is very time consuming. A vegetable garden will require consistent watering. We brainstormed ideas of how this could happen..
Betsy shared about the Barrington Habitat Wiki and it was decided that we could post volunteer times on that. Plans will be made to invite the parents of the different classrooms- we see this happening after the library dedication.
Roger, Marvin, Kate and Betsy went out to the garden and habitat area. Roger shared that the quickest and easiest placement of the donated tree would be in the spot where the large Buckeye tree was removed. We can decide to move it later if necessary.
Kate asked about watering of newly planted trees. Roger shared that no arrangements are made for that. He shared that he could place a bucket with a hole for watering and Kate suggested a “gator” bag. Roger agreed this would be a more efficient way to water the tree. Kate volunteered to get the bag either through donations or with funding from the habitat.
Roger suggested that the teachers consider removing the fence in the habitat area. It is old and outdated. He suggested contacting Jim Fronk at Jones. Jim and his students have planted trees and shrubs at various schools in the district.
Kate asked about different fencing along the back of the garden. She is going to try to get donations –possibilities include cedar fencing.
Roger mentioned that there are some restrictions – for example, if we want raised beds, no cinderblocks can be used.
He asked about hardscape for the habitat. When he heard that we were working with Bill Dawson at Franklin Park Conservatory, he suggested that he, Marvin, Chris Potts, Hal Plant and a representative from Food Service be invited to the next Dream Session. Some restrictions were put on the time for meeting, however due to their schedules. He also shared how to use the water spicket that is located in the ground next to the garden.
Kate mentioned moving the compost bin to an area that is more user friendly. Betsy remembered that Matt had asked for food scraps to be added to the bin.
Roger shared that UA’s Girls Lacrosse Team will be working on the grounds at Barrington on Saturday, April 10th. He suggested we tap into this resource for edging, digging up the land for the garden. A short brainstorming of ways to use the girls ensued. Marvin will be at the site on Saturday.
and Kate and Betsy volunteered as well . Jobs will include edging the garden, removing brush, ( UA Schools has agreed to haul away), put in the habitat signs, shepard’s hooks with birdfeeders, spreading compost, digging the garden area.
The meeting ended with Kate volunteering to purchase native plants for the garden, Betsy volunteering to get yard bags, birdfeeders and shepard hooks. Betsy also shared that she would be requesting additional help from the Barrington staff for Saturday’s work and putting in a site request visit to Bill Dawson.
Date: Monday, April 5th
In attendance: Kate Kallmes, Betsy O’Brochta, Roger (Head Groundskeeper), Marvin (Barrington Groundskeeper)
Kate and Betsy met and discussed how to recruit volunteers for upkeep in the garden during the summer and fall months. Ideally, we’d like classes to spend time during the day tending to the garden and habitat needs. Kate shared that the biggest commitment is watering the garden. It is awkward to do and is very time consuming. A vegetable garden will require consistent watering. We brainstormed ideas of how this could happen..
Betsy shared about the Barrington Habitat Wiki and it was decided that we could post volunteer times on that. Plans will be made to invite the parents of the different classrooms- we see this happening after the library dedication.
Roger, Marvin, Kate and Betsy went out to the garden and habitat area. Roger shared that the quickest and easiest placement of the donated tree would be in the spot where the large Buckeye tree was removed. We can decide to move it later if necessary.
Kate asked about watering of newly planted trees. Roger shared that no arrangements are made for that. He shared that he could place a bucket with a hole for watering and Kate suggested a “gator” bag. Roger agreed this would be a more efficient way to water the tree. Kate volunteered to get the bag either through donations or with funding from the habitat.
Roger suggested that the teachers consider removing the fence in the habitat area. It is old and outdated. He suggested contacting Jim Fronk at Jones. Jim and his students have planted trees and shrubs at various schools in the district.
Kate asked about different fencing along the back of the garden. She is going to try to get donations –possibilities include cedar fencing.
Roger mentioned that there are some restrictions – for example, if we want raised beds, no cinderblocks can be used.
He asked about hardscape for the habitat. When he heard that we were working with Bill Dawson at Franklin Park Conservatory, he suggested that he, Marvin, Chris Potts, Hal Plant and a representative from Food Service be invited to the next Dream Session. Some restrictions were put on the time for meeting, however due to their schedules. He also shared how to use the water spicket that is located in the ground next to the garden.
Kate mentioned moving the compost bin to an area that is more user friendly. Betsy remembered that Matt had asked for food scraps to be added to the bin.
Roger shared that UA’s Girls Lacrosse Team will be working on the grounds at Barrington on Saturday, April 10th. He suggested we tap into this resource for edging, digging up the land for the garden. A short brainstorming of ways to use the girls ensued. Marvin will be at the site on Saturday.
and Kate and Betsy volunteered as well . Jobs will include edging the garden, removing brush, ( UA Schools has agreed to haul away), put in the habitat signs, shepard’s hooks with birdfeeders, spreading compost, digging the garden area.
The meeting ended with Kate volunteering to purchase native plants for the garden, Betsy volunteering to get yard bags, birdfeeders and shepard hooks. Betsy also shared that she would be requesting additional help from the Barrington staff for Saturday’s work and putting in a site request visit to Bill Dawson.
April 9, 2010